Washington, DC – The District is preparing to host the 56th presidential inaugural, and will greet visitors from around the world. On January 19 and 20 , most hospitals will not be available for non-emergent care in support of the inaugural activities. “People need to plan ahead for prescription refills, doctor’s appointments and medical visits,” said Dr. Pierre Vigilance, director for the district’s department of health. “Emergency Rooms are expected to be busier than normal, non-emergent care patients should obtain care through their primary care provider before January 19 or make arrangements after January 20,” he said.
Health professionals are encouraged to continue to addressing their patients’ and clients’ healthcare needs during the inaugural weekend, by scheduling appointments prior to the planned inaugural activities and arranging for the provision of services at alternate offices, if necessary. Medical services available for the inaugural events will include:
- Nearly 50 medical aid stations to assist individuals and support medical response. These stations will be staffed with trained medical personnel from the DC Department of Health, the US Park Service, the HHS National Disaster Medical System, the Department of Defense and volunteer medical professionals from the US Public Health Service and the DC Medical Reserve Corps.
- Eight first aid stations on the National Mall for the opening ceremony January 18.
- Sixteen first aid stations on the National Mall between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial and additional stations in the Capitol area.
- Significantly increased ambulance support to move patients in response to any medical emergencies.
Warming stations, like the Smithsonian Museum buildings, and others will be set up around the National Mall so that attendees can warm up if needed.
Hospitals, healthcare facilities, patients and clients should give special considerations to:
- Medication refills
- Routine follow-ups
- Dialysis services
- Medical supply deliveries
- Transportation to facilities
- Persons with disabilities
The District of Columbia health clinics will provide services on January 20 at the following locations:
- Columbia Road Health Services, 1660 Columbia Rd, NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Family Health & Birth Center, 801 17th St., NE, Washington, DC 20002
- Spanish Catholic Center, 1618 Monroe Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010
Heavy traffic and delays are expected and it is anticipated that many of the city’s main roads, bridges and routes will be blocked off and inaccessible. Likewise, public transportation services such as Metrorail and bus lines will be heavily in use.
The Department of Health Offices will be closed on January 19th and 20th in observation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday and Inauguration Day.
Partners and customers should contact the DC Department of Health by calling (202) 671-4222 for more information.
For more information on the 56th presidential inauguration, visit www.inauguration.dc.gov.